Discharge of Duty Officer
Slough
Job Role
To undertake the proper lettings of temporary accommodation to those who have approached the Council for housing advice and assistance and have been deemed to be owed a duty in accordance with the Homeless Reduction Act 2017. To properly and legally work to discharge any duty held where this is required, and placement termination is necessary.
To manage discharges of duty within specific cases and be responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments and legal decisions that can withstand legal scrutiny and are successful at the review stage or in court.
Main Accountabilities
To maintain a working knowledge of legislation and subsequent or relevant statutes, case law and Council policy relating to the management and provision of temporary accommodation.
To maintain a working knowledge of homelessness legislation to work to reduce temporary accommodation occupancy where termination of placement is required.
To ensure void properties are properly managed and to minimise the use of Bed and Breakfast/Hotel Accommodation.
In conjunction with the Income Recovery/Arrears Team and the Temporary Accommodation Finance Officer, to ensure proper financial control and the timely discharge of the Council's liabilities. To ensure that the team maximises rental income, taking appropriate legal action where necessary.
To ensure relevant advice is provided to tenants on sustaining temporary accommodation in respect of non-breach of tenancy for any reason and to prevent and detect fraud.
To manage discharges of duty within specific cases in compliance with the Homelessness Reduction Act and conduct comprehensive assessments, including affordability and suitability, and legal decisions that can withstand legal scrutiny.
To address breaches of tenancy conditions including nuisance, racial or sexual harassment, domestic abuse, or threats to the well-being and safety of occupants and all forms of anti-social behaviour. To ensure appropriate management action against perpetrators, including immediate eviction and lock changes and any discharge of duty as instructed by Senior Managers.